So when you fire something like that, with the shells impressed into the face, do the shells burn away? Or do they actually fire or vitrify into the glaze? Will they disintegrate over time like shells do? (I really love that chawan, btw. I'm sure I'm not the only one...)

the chawan is fired on its side. perpendicular to the ground and on 3 points w/ shells and wadding within the shells to support the weight of the chawan

once fired. the material that the shells are made are from calcium carbonate which does not burn in the 2300 degree firing. so the markings and the shell are left after the firing and easily removed after the firing.

there is also a tiny bit of salt in the shells that also create a flashing.

brandon wrote:Not to be a copy cat but my favorite chawan is by Seigan.

Ah yes, Seigan. Love it, one of my favorites is a nodate chawan from Seigan. Looks like you beat everyone to it on this thread.

Chamekke, I LOVE that nezumi shino. I've been looking for one but have yet to see one I really "need." Some of the new or nearly new ones I've found out there (ebay) just don't have the same warm, simple look.

olivierco, did you really buy that one? It's gorgeous! I would be skeered to use it!